Dishwasher Not Draining? Try These 7 Easy Fixes
Is your dishwasher not draining water properly, leaving standing water after every cycle? This common issue can usually be fixed without a professional visit.
Whether you have a GE, Whirlpool, or LG dishwasher, here are 7 expert-approved fixes you can try today.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Clogs in the filter, drain basket, or drain hose are often the culprits of poor drainage—cleaning or straightening these parts can quickly resolve the issue.
- Backflow from a garbage disposal or issues with the air gap or high loop can prevent proper draining—ensure installations are correct and clogs are cleared.
- If mechanical issues like a faulty drain pump or malfunctioning cycle timer are to blame, resetting the unit or replacing faulty parts may be necessary.
1. Clogged Filter or Drain Basket
Food debris and grease often clog your dishwasher’s filter. Cleaning it regularly ensures proper drainage.
How to clean the dishwasher filter:
- Remove the bottom rack and locate the cylindrical filter at the base.
- Twist and lift the filter to remove.
- Rinse under hot water and scrub with a toothbrush.
- Reinstall the filter securely.
2. Garbage Disposal Backflow
If recently installed or replaced, the garbage disposal may have a plug blocking water flow from the dishwasher. Food inside the garbage disposal can also block the path of dishwasher drain water.
Fix:
- Ensure the disposal knockout plug is removed where the drain hose connects.
- Run the garbage disposal to clear out food from its hopper.
3. Kinked or Blocked Drain Hose
The drain hose could be pinched or clogged.
Fix:
- Unplug the dishwasher power cord or shut off the house circuit breaker to disconnect electrical power.
- Pull out the dishwasher and inspect the hose.
- Straighten any kinks.
- Blow air through to test for blockages or remove the hose and flush it out.
Here’s a video that shows how to clear the dishwasher drain path:
If you're unable to clear the dishwasher drain path on your own, schedule appliance repair service and we'll sent out a technician to clear the dishwasher drain for you.
4. Faulty Drain Pump
If you hear a humming noise or nothing at all, your drain pump might be bad.
Fix:
Check continuity with a multimeter. If failed, consider replacing the pump.
Here’s a video that shows how to safely replace a dishwasher drain pump:
If you're not completely confident that you can safely complete this repair on your own, schedule dishwasher repair service and we'll have one of our techs replace the drain pump for you.
5. Air Gap or High Loop Issue
An improperly installed drain hose or clogged air gap may allow backflow.
Fix:
- Ensure the hose forms a high loop just before connecting to the sink drain.
- Check the air gap for a clog and clear the clog if you find one.
6. Dishwasher Not Draining at End of Cycle
This may be caused by an issue with the timer or cycle control, especially in GE or Whirlpool models.
Try resetting the unit by shutting off the house circuit breaker for the dishwasher for 5 minutes and then resetting the breaker to restore power.
7. Standing Water in Dishwasher After Use
Standing water indicates unresolved drainage issues or infrequent cleaning.
Fix:
- Clean the filters, inspect the pump and hose.
- Use dishwasher-safe cleaning agents such as Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner monthly to break down buildup.
When to Call a Pro
If these fixes don’t resolve your issue, our Sears Home Services technicians are trained to repair all major dishwasher brands. Book your dishwasher repair online today for fast, reliable service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule your dishwasher repair now!
With extensive experience, our technicians are skilled in repairing dishwashers of all makes and models, ensuring sparkling clean dishes with every cycle.
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Glossary Terms
A dishwasher basket is a removable container designed to securely hold small items like cutlery and utensils during the wash cycle, ensuring efficient cleaning without loss or damage.
A dishwasher end panel is a finishing piece installed on the exposed side of a dishwasher, primarily when it is at the end of kitchen cabinetry, to ensure a seamless and aesthetically pleasing look in the kitchen.
A dishwasher diverter motor controls the direction of water flow to different spray arms within the dishwasher, ensuring optimal water distribution during each wash cycle for thorough cleaning.
A dishwasher drawer is a compact, space-saving kitchen appliance designed to clean dishes efficiently, resembling a standard kitchen drawer that slides out for easy loading and unloading.
Common Repair Dishwasher Symptoms
The most common reasons your Amana dishwasher won't drain are a failed drain pump, faulty pump and motor assembly or a cracked drain hose.
The most common reasons your Bosch dishwasher has no heat are a defective electronic control board, clogged water valve or a broken detergent dispenser.
The most common reasons your Electrolux dishwasher is not heating are a defective electronic control board, faulty pump and motor assembly or a damaged user interface control.
The most common reasons your Kenmore dishwasher is not washing are a faulty pump and motor assembly, defective electronic control board or a clogged spray arm.
The most common reasons your Kenmore Elite dishwasher is not washing are a faulty pump and motor assembly, defective electronic control board or a clogged spray arm.
The most common reasons your Bosch dishwasher display is not working are a defective electronic control board, damaged user interface control or a damaged power supply board.